I can see it now.  A Triumph salesman bragging about how big and powerful the little vehicle’s engine is.  “Its 2.5-liter engine gives you 165 HP and 163 lb-ft of torque.  That’s more than enough to get you around pronto.  It’s a rocket.”

It’s not a car, it’s a Rocket 3

But the funny thing about the scenario above is that the Triumph salesman isn’t talking about a car.  He’s talking about a motorcycle.   The 2020 Triumph Rocket 3 to be precise.

Triumph recently rolled out its newest Rocket 3 and it has been re-born.  It’s now equipped with the largest engine ever to adorn a production motorcycle.  While its 165 HP is bettered by several current-day sportbikes, that horsepower figure is nothing to sneeze at.

But the Rocket 3’s torque figure should get anyone’s attention.   With a claimed 163 lb-ft of torque, is the highest of any production motorcycle, period.  Its closest competitor, the Ducati Diavel “only” makes 96 lb-ft of torque.  Can you say drag race?

Rocket 3 Spec upgrades

According to Triumph, the new Rocket 3 has the highest specification equipment of any previous Rocket.  The new Rocket 3 (both R and GT models) feature “an all-new high specification mass optimized aluminum frame”.  In the setup, the engine is a stressed member and Triumph says that the new Rocket 3 weighs a whopping 88 pounds less than the previous Rocket.  That means that the new Rocket three should tip the scale at about 647 pounds dry.  Even with its very significant weight reduction, it’s no lightweight.

The suspension also boasts updates with Showa components all around.  A rear Showa monoshock is adjustable for rebound, compression and, preload.  Up front, a Showa 74 mm fork is adjustable for rebound and compression).

Bringing things to a halt are a set of Bembo Stylema® calipers.  The calipers design allows for increased airflow around the brake pads which “helps the calipers cool quicker for better performance.

Electronics

The new Rocket 3 has a good suite of electronics.  Cornering ABS and traction control enhance stability, straight-line acceleration and, better braking.  An Internal Measurement Unit (IMU) provided by Continental determines the appropriate amount of ABS and traction control.

Triumph also provides four different user-selectable riding modes.  Road, Rain, Sport, and a rider configurable mode are available.  With the rider configurable mode, riders can adjust the throttle map and traction control to suit their preferences.

Nice to haves

The Rocket 3’s hill hold control is activated by the front brake lever and switchable via the bike setup menu.

All LED lighting should help you see and be seen.  Twin LED headlights are complemented by daytime running lights as well.  The turn signal indicators, rear light, and plate light are LED as well.

A keyless ignition and steering lock provides convenience and security.  As an additional security feature, the key fob can also be disabled.

Infotainment

Is riding a bit boring?  The Rocket 3 has a new adjustable angle TFT display.  A rider can choose from two different information layouts.  The available information can be displayed and controlled Triumph’s new joystick and “switch cubes”.

The display also features a GoPro control system.  It uses Bluetooth connectivity to display and provide GoPro camera operation.

What’s it like to ride?

So all in all, the Rocket 3 seems to have been thoroughly upgraded by Triumph.  We hope to be able to get a test ride to see if its handling and real-world fun factors are as good as Triumph claims.

US pricing is not yet available.

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